Imperialist Party of Mexico

The Imperialist Party of Mexico was a reactionary and monarchist party in Mexico that existed from 1836 to 1867. The party was founded by supporters of Agustin de Iturbide, who briefly reigned as Emperor of Mexico from 1822 to 1823 before being overthrown and later executed. The Imperialists wanted to restore the monarchy of Mexico, to implement Catholicism as the state religion, to discourage immigration to Mexico, to exert government control over the economy, and to pursue an aggressive foreign policy. From 1861 to 1867, Maximilian I of Mexico ruled as Emperor with the help of the Imperialists, but the party was destroyed after the downfall of Maximilian in 1867 and the execution of his supporters.